The All Means All Program
Finding quality child care can be challenging for any family, and families who have children with special needs can have added challenges. The All Means All program was designed as a way to help providers gain a deeper understanding of diverse needs and as a way for parents to find child care near them. View the All Means All website for more information on the program and for a list of All Means All certified programs in Utah.
Tips for Finding Care
Although there are some child care programs that specialize in caring for children with disabilities or other diverse needs, most are not specialized. When looking for child care, consider the following tips:
- Ask to see a current license. Find out if the staff has been screened for child abuse/neglect.
- Ask if the program has a philosophy or mission statement related to including children with diverse needs and abilities.
- Ask about the teacher's or family child care provider's education and experience. Does it include disability specific training or training on meeting the individual needs of children?
- Ask about eligibility criteria. Does eligibility criteria allow for enrollment of children with disabilities or developmental delays?
- Ask if the program is willing to collaborate with your family and any specialists your family may be working with related to your child's growth and learning.
- Observe the child care provider's interactions with the children in the program. Does she or he seem warm, friendly, patient, and involved?
- Look at the children in the program. Are all the children participating in classroom activities? Do they seem happy?
- Ask about the number of caregivers in the program. Are there enough adults to adequately care for the children enrolled?
Talking to Care Providers
- Speak clearly about your child's strengths and unique qualities.
- Tell the child care staff about your child's routine, likes, dislikes, and what makes them happy or sad.
- Be honest about what your child needs, including any special assistance or equipment.
- Be willing to help your child care program solve problems that might arise.
- Remember that you know your child better than anyone else. Stand up for your child's rights and trust your knowledge and ability to share what you have learned about your child.
Handling Potential Discrimination
With any child care facility, a good "fit" is important. You want to find someone you can trust and with whom you can develop a good working relationship. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) considers child care facilities to be public accommodations and requires them to address the needs of people with disabilities, just like theaters and restaurants. This requirement means that children with disabilities cannot be excluded from a program solely because of a disability. Under the ADA, child care programs are required to make reasonable accommodations to address the needs of individuals with disabilities. Imagination, a positive attitude, and a child-centered approach can usually produce creative and achievable accommodations.